“Little Miss Bertha” is a dress design inspired by a pattern from the LaPoupee Modele Collection, published in 1866 for a fashion doll. The French publication was a leading Children’s Magazine in the late 1800’s and offered children the latest fashion patterns for their dolls. While this pattern design is historical in origin, the dress style adapts well to modern and trendy prints and trims.
The name “Bertha” refers to the collar style. A “Bertha Collar” is a wide, flat collar designed to accent the shoulders. Its history stretches back to Victorian fashion. In the 1940’s the Bertha Collar underwent a revival. The name came to mean almost any large collar. Square collars and Peter Pan collars evolved from this trend.
This dress design features a wide square collar, lined bodice, and short sleeves. The finished length of the dress from center front is 9 ¾”. The full skirt includes a growth tuck. Children’s clothing in the 18th and 19th century were often made with growth tucks, a horizontal pleat in the skirt, so the clothing could be let out as the child grew in height. This PDF sewing pattern designed to fit 18 inch dolls such as American Girl®
Recommended Fabrics: Lightweight wovens, quilt cottons, satin, dupioni, and taffeta are all good fabric choices.
Supplies Needed:
-½ Yard Fabric (45”) for Dress
-¼ Yard Fabric (45”) for Collar and Bodice Lining
-2 ¼ Yards Trim for Collar, Sleeves, and Skirt(Rick-Rack or Lace)
-5” Hook and Loop (Sew-On) use ½” wide or less
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 21 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
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